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Injury accidents mount at Russell intersection
(by Joan Demirjian - July 07, 2010)
Injury accidents mount at Russell intersection
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
Two different incidents involving vehicle collisions occurred last week at Music Street and Chillicothe Road (Route 306) in Russell. One was still under investigation early this week.
The accidents have one township official questioning if the area needs more signage and possibly a traffic light.
Currently, there is a blinking caution light for Chillicothe Road traffic and a red blinking stoplight for traffic on Music Street.
In the first incident on July 1, a two-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection at about 3 p.m., according to Russell Fire Chief John Frazier. A vehicle heading east on Music Street and one headed north on Chillicothe Road were involved in the collision.
The Russell Fire Department called in the Bainbridge rescue squad for mutual aid.
Russell transported Tiera Moore, 27, of Newbury, a driver of one of the vehicles, to Geauga Medical Center in Claridon. The Bainbridge rescue squad transported Johnell Smith, 32, of Newbury, to the same hospital.
Frederick Rondo, of Bainbridge, was cited by Russell police for failure to yield in the incident.
In the second incident on July 2, a two-vehicle accident occurred at about 3:20 p.m., resulting in three people being transported for treatment of injuries. One required an emergency medical helicopter transport.
Chillicothe Road was closed for about 3 1/2 hours during the investigation work by Valley Enforcement Group's accident investigation unit. Russell officer Randy Bialosky, team commander of the unit, said he called in the unit because it was such a serious impact.
"The injuries to the girl in the car and the injuries to the driver of the van were life-threatening injuries," Mr. Bialosky said. "That's when we activate the team."
In the accident, a vehicle headed east on Music Street and a van traveling north on Chillicothe Road collided, he said.
Bainbridge and Chester rescue squads were called for mutual aid.
One victim, Tara Durn, 18, of Chester, who was a passenger in the eastbound vehicle, was transported by Life Flight helicopter to Metrohealth Medical Center in Cleveland. The medical helicopter landed at the Russell Fire Station, and the victim was transported to the awaiting helicopter, according to Mr. Frazier. He said she had to be extricated by the Jaws of Life from the front passenger-side seat. The door had been hit by the other vehicle.
The driver of the car, Heather Hanson, 20, of Chester, was transported for medical care to Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights.
Albert Payton, 61, of Bainbridge, was driving the van traveling north on Chillilcothe Road. He was transported to Hillcrest Hospital.
"We're investigating what and how it happened," Mr. Bialosky said.
Citations have not been issued. Marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found at the scene, he said.
Mr. Frazier said the fire department has answered many calls at the intersection in the past. He recalled an accident with three deaths there some years ago.
"We are fortunate to have Randy as head of the accident investigation unit," Trustee James Mueller said. He said he will ask Mr. Bialosky to attend the July 21 Township Trustees meeting to review the accidents and perhaps suggest what needs to be done at the intersection.
It could be improvements to the sight distance, Mr. Mueller said. "Any improvements we can do to make the intersection safer, we should do that.
"If we need to ask the state for a light, I think we should," he said. "If it is the most dangerous intersection in Russell, we should do something about it."
Right now, with the blinking lights, it depends on drivers' judgment, he said. "With a traffic light, it says red or green.
"Let's analyze it and see if we need to be doing something different there," Mr. Mueller said.
Mr. Bialosky said Tuesday he does not know if a light will make a difference at the intersection. In both cases, the drivers were very familiar with the surroundings, he said. Accidents happen, with or without a traffic light, he said.
In the triple fatality in the 1990s, it involved an intoxicated driver who did not stop at the stop sign on Music Street. "What difference does it make if there is a traffic light if the driver doesn't stop?" Mr. Bialosky said. A traffic light is not a quick fix, he said.
"People have to pay attention," Mr. Bialosky said. "That's what it boils down to. It's not more dangerous than any other intersection."
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